Nathan Fong
Nathan Fong | |
|---|---|
| Born | Nathan Mark Fong March 16, 1959 Art Institute of Vancouver[1] |
| Occupations |
|
| Employer | Government of British Columbia[2] |
| Spouse | Michel Chicoine[1] |
Nathan Mark Fong (March 16, 1959 – March 30, 2020) was a Canadian chef, food stylist, media personality and activist.
Early life and education
Nathan Mark Fong was born in
Fong attended the
Career in food and personal life
Fong started a catering company after graduating from Dubrulle. He transitioned into
Since 2012, Fong served as chef for the British Columbian government.
For decades, Fong hosted his TV show "Fong on Food" on Global Television Network and a weekly radio show by the same name.[2][3] He was the executive chef producer of the BC Seafood Festival.[5] He was a columnist for the Vancouver Sun and also contributed to Enroute, Bon Appetit, NUVO, Men's Health, Cooking Light and Fine Cooking.[3]
Nathan was also a long standing Board member for BC & Yukon Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada (TMAC), including the BC Chapter Chair.
Activism
Fong was HIV-positive, which inspired him to become involved in HIV fundraising and pro-LGBTQ causes. In 2002, Fong created the Passions Gala, an annual wine and food event that benefited the Dr. Peter AIDS Foundation. As of 2019[update], the event has raised over $1.6 million for the Foundation.
Later life and death
Fong had diabetes and struggled to control it. He would often stop eating when he was feeling depressed, something he experienced with in the weeks prior to his death. In 2020, he also saw business plummet due to the cancelation of events in the wake of
The last week of March 2020, Fong fainted and fell, hitting his head. Fong was found dead, on March 30, at his home in Vancouver by his spouse Michel Chicoine. Officially, it has been said that he died of a suspected
In Memory of Nathan Fong
In memory of Nathan's work in journalism, the BC & Yukon Chapter of the Travel Media Association of Canada establish the annual Nathan Fong Memorial Award in 2021. This award is generously sponsored by Nathan's family in partnership with the BC & Yukon Chapter of TMAC.
This award was created to raise awareness and highlight the many contributions Canadians of Asian descent have made to Canada, and is awarded to members of TMAC who share stories with both an Asian and Canadian connection.[6]
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n Gill, Alexandra (1 April 2020). "Revered, award-winning Canadian chef Nathan Fong dies at 61". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f Johnson, Gail (31 March 2020). "Rest in peace, chef Nathan Fong". The Georgia Straight. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ a b c Dawson, Fabian (31 March 2020). "Nathan Fong connected the world to B.C. seafood". Sea West News. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Parry, Malcolm (16 January 2016). "Town Talk: Too many cooks? Not at this wedding". Local News. Vancouver Sun. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ "Comox Valley's BC Seafood Festival 2019 line-up announced". Comox Valley Record. 8 May 2019. Retrieved 18 April 2020.
- ^ Travel Media Association of Canada. "Nathan Fong Award". Professional Organization. TMAC. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
External links
- "Chefs Remember Beloved Vancouver Foodie Nathan Fong" from Montecristo